Civic Engagement

The Community Engagement Challenge

The application for Fall 2019 is now open. Application deadline is September 30, 2019. Apply here.

The Rochester Center for Community Leadership (RCCL) invites University of Rochester student organizations to apply for Community Engagement Challenge grants. These grants of up to $500 each are intended to support projects that build and strengthen ties between the University and the City of Rochester.

Recognizing that many student organizations already have a strong history of performing service activities in the Rochester area and elsewhere, grants can be used to expand current efforts or develop new initiatives

Funds can also be used to cover the cost of transportation and/or materials for a community service project, or the cost of training that will help an organization improve its ability to engage with the community.

The grants will be awarded by a selection committee that includes students, alumni, faculty, staff, and community input. Special thanks to the Class of 2011 for their generous donation that makes these grants possible.

Past Winners

Congratulations to our past Community Engagement Challenge winners:

Fall 2018 - Refugee Student Alliance: RSA is holding a fundraising event to benefit the Making a Connection (MAC) Academy, a program for young adult refugees who have aged out of the school system that helps them develop their professional and language skills. Funds raised will provide 15 driving lessons to MAC Academy students, an important step towards obtaining their licenses so they can secure work. MAC Academy students will participate in the fundraising event, sharing their personal experiences with attendees.

Spring 2018 - Soñar Despierto: Soñar Despierto (Daydream Foundation) was able to transport their members to volunteer in an after school program at Cameron Community Ministries and to hold events for the residents at Monroe Community Hospital.